24 June, 2025
In a pulsating Group A fixture of the Club World Cup 2025, Inter Miami and Palmeiras played out a dramatic 2–2 draw that had everything: goals, drama, tactical shifts, and a late twist that left fans stunned.
The match, held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on June 23, was a crucial decider for group positioning. Inter Miami came into the game unbeaten and needed a win to finish top. Palmeiras, determined to maintain their unbeaten streak as well, had other plans.
🥅 First Half: Miami’s fast start
Inter Miami made their intentions clear from the first whistle. Their attacking lineup, led by veteran striker Luis Suárez, pressed high and moved the ball swiftly through midfield. The breakthrough came in the 16th minute, when Tadeo Allende latched onto a clever flick from Suárez to fire a low drive into the net.
The home crowd erupted, and Miami smelled blood. Their high press and composure in possession paid dividends again in the 65th minute, when Suárez—rolling back the years—curled in a left-footed strike from just outside the box to make it 2–0. It looked like Miami were cruising toward a statement win.
⚽ Late Drama: Palmeiras strike back
Just when it seemed like Inter Miami had one foot in the next round as group leaders, Palmeiras showed their pedigree. The Brazilian champions began to control possession and made a tactical switch by pushing their wingbacks higher.
Their first goal came in the 80th minute, courtesy of Paulinho, who pounced on a rebound after a failed clearance. With Miami looking rattled, Mauricio converted a penalty in the 87th minute following a handball inside the box.
What had looked like a famous victory for Miami turned into a deflating draw. Still, both teams secured qualification to the Round of 16, with Palmeiras topping the group due to a superior goal difference.
🔁 Key Performers
| Players | Goals | Assists |
| Luis Suárez | 1 | 1 |
| Tadeo Allende | 1 | _ |
| Paulinho | 1 | _ |
| Federico | 1 | _ |
| Mauricio | _ | 1 |
🗣️ Post-Match Reactions
Speaking after the game, Suarez said:
“We had the game under control, but football is about moments. We’ll take the positives into the next match.”
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised his team:
“This was historic for the club. Of course, we’re disappointed to not finish top, but the character shown was fantastic.”
🔮 What’s Next?
- Inter Miami will face Paris Saint-Germain in the knockout round — a blockbuster fixture, especially as Lionel Messi’s former club awaits his return (though Messi did not feature in this match due to injury).
- Palmeiras will face Botafogo, setting up an all-Brazilian clash
Here are the Current Group Standings:
| Group A | MP | W | D | L | Pts |
| Palmeiras (Brazil) | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Inter Miami | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Porto (Portugal) | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Al Ahly (Egypt) | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Group B | MP | W | D | L | Pts |
| Paris Saint-Germain (France) | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| Botafogo (Brazil) | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| Atlético Madrid (Spain) | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| Seattle | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
Click this link to see the upcoming matches: https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/club-world-cup/usa-2025/articles/match-schedule-fixtures-results-groups-teams-stadiums
